On December 10, 2023, Warner Music announced a significant restructuring of its leadership team across Australia and Southeast Asia. This move aims to enhance the company’s ability to promote local artists on a global scale while supporting international artists within these vibrant markets. The changes reflect Warner Music’s commitment to fostering a diverse and dynamic music environment.
Key Promotions and New Roles
Among the notable promotions, Alex Young has been elevated to Vice President of Domestic Artists for Warner Music Australasia. In this crucial role, Young will oversee various domestic functions including A&R, marketing, and creative initiatives, with a focus on nurturing Australian talent. Dan Ellis has also been promoted to Vice President of International Artist Strategy for Warner Music Australasia and Southeast Asia, where he will lead efforts to expand the company’s global offerings for artists in these regions.
Both Young and Ellis will report directly to Dan Rosen, President of Warner Music Australasia and Southeast Asia, who recently took on additional responsibilities for the region’s recorded music activities. Rosen emphasized the exciting potential of Southeast Asia, which has a population exceeding 500 million. He stated, “Each country is different, has its own unique culture, its own unique music industry, but the one common thread across all of it is, it’s dynamic. It’s growing.”
Supporting Structures and Future Opportunities
The new executive structure includes several strategic appointments intended to bolster the company’s domestic and international artist strategies. Charlotte Kindred has been promoted to Head of Domestic Artist Strategy, responsible for executing day-to-day operations related to artist development and export strategies. Sarah Thomas has been named Artist Relations and Promotions Manager for Australasia Export, a newly created position that will see her relocate from Sydney to New York to establish global networks for Australasian artists.
Ellis will be supported by Lucy Baker, promoted to Head of PR, Artist Relations, and Wellbeing, managing PR and promotional efforts for Australia and New Zealand. Additionally, Jordon Dionatos and Lisan Yee have been appointed as International Artist Strategy Leads for Australasia and Southeast Asia, respectively. Manny Kupelian will lead the newly formed Creator Strategy team, focusing on digital and fan engagement.
Rosen noted the importance of this balance between agility and specialization, particularly in a region recognized for its emerging markets like the Philippines and Indonesia. “There’s an enormous opportunity for both our Australian and New Zealand artists, as well as regional artists from other parts of the Asia-Pacific,” he explained. This restructuring comes at a time when Australian artists are gaining international recognition, with acts like Amyl and The Sniffers and Dom Dolla crossing borders and achieving global status.
Warner Music’s domestic roster continues to grow, featuring artists like Boy Soda, who recently won his first ARIA Award, and Kita Alexander, who performed at a major industry ceremony. Rosen expressed enthusiasm about the influx of talent emerging from Australia and New Zealand. “There’s a new generation of artists that are ‘born global’,” he said. “From day one, they understand the global platform world that we live in, but still understand that they’ve got to be great live acts, build fans, be authentic, and be great storytellers.”
With these strategic appointments and a renewed focus on both local and international talent, Warner Music is poised to capitalize on the growth opportunities within the dynamic music landscapes of Australasia and Southeast Asia.
